Practical Ministry
A series of articles on the work of all the saints (not just for pastors)...
Even though I spend a lot of time reading and studying, I think a lot about practical ministry. There have been seasons that were full of opportunity and others not so much. This season is full for me, and I am grateful to be used by God. But the increase in opportunity has also meant a fresh reminder of the need for those in formal ministry (like myself) to equip all the saints for the work.
There are countless resources for pastors or those in some kind of formal ministry. Whether preaching, teaching, counseling, or even aspects of leadership, productivity, finances, music, or administration, the list is long, and the market is flooded. But what about the ministry of the rest of the saints?
On the one hand, I don’t want to pretend that no one has done this work or that there are no significant resources on the subject of the ministry of all believers. A topic that hits this note very well is the “royal priesthood of believers.” On the other hand, it is not a conversation I hear of very often, at least not in terms of “ministry.” I know brothers and sisters who want to serve but don’t know where they fit.
That desire without clarity is precisely what is behind my writing this article and the following series on practical ministry.
Practical Ministry: the Work of all the Saints
Over the coming weeks, I will be posting several articles aimed at those of you in the pew who wrestle with the question of how you can serve and where you fit. To be sure, I think pastors and others in formal ministry can benefit from this conversation. If that is you, I hope there is something encouraging here as a reminder and help in your work to equip the saints for the work of the ministry.
However, my aim here is for those who are not in formal ministry and maybe don’t even think they have a ministry. If that is you, I hope you will see that you have a ministry and be encouraged to engage and be effective in the work.
Those like myself who have been called into formal ministry are called to serve you and equip you for the work of the ministry. I pray that the following series of articles on “Practical Ministry” will be a blessing not only to you but also to your churches, your pastors, and other leaders—and ultimately, that it will bring glory to Christ.
Coram Deo.